The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 14 individuals connected to the vandalization of a critical 132KV transmission tower line that has caused a prolonged blackout in Bayelsa State. The arrest was made after months of investigation and intelligence gathering, following the extensive damage done to power infrastructure along the Ahoada/Mbiama axis in Rivers State and the Igbogene axis in Bayelsa State.
Impact of the Vandalization on Bayelsa State
For over two months, Bayelsa State has been plunged into darkness due to the destruction of the 132KV transmission tower. This blackout has severely affected daily life, with residents and businesses facing significant challenges, ranging from economic losses to operational difficulties.
Police Crackdown and Arrests
Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emomena, announced the arrests at a press briefing held at the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa on October 7, 2024. He revealed that the suspects had been on the police’s wanted list for several months. Acting on credible intelligence, the police apprehended the individuals responsible for the sabotage in Rivers State on September 11, 2024.
Recovered Exhibits
The police also recovered numerous items linked to the crime. These include:
- 35mm and 70mm armored cables
- 50mm SLPE cables
- Electrical pot insulators
- Wheel spanners and cutting blades
- Long boots, eleven KV poles, recline cables, and bee copper
These materials are believed to have been stolen from the damaged infrastructure and were intended for resale or illicit use.
Suspects’ Identities
The arrested suspects, whose ages range from 20 to 54 years, hail from different parts of Nigeria. They include:
- Christopher Chinmelam Onyeno, 22, from Imo State
- Chinyereugo Ukommaduakolam, 20, from Imo State
- Believe Ajudu, 31, from Rivers State
- Usuman Albert Odumanyuyah, 50, from Rivers State
- Abubakar Umaru, 22, from Sokoto State
- Emmanuel John, 35, from Kano State
This diverse group was found to be part of a coordinated effort to vandalize and loot the power infrastructure.
Response from the Bayelsa State Government
The Bayelsa State Government, through the Commissioner of Power, Hon. Engr. Kharin Akari Komuko, had previously lodged a petition urging law enforcement to take swift action to restore power to the state. This call for action led to the mobilization of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which eventually resulted in the arrests.
Commitment of the Nigeria Police Force
The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) for Zone 16, Paul Alifa Omata, has reaffirmed his dedication to protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of residents in the affected areas. He stressed the importance of community involvement in safeguarding public resources and called on the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to prevent future incidents.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Actions
The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, remains focused on ensuring the security of the nation’s power infrastructure. Investigations are still ongoing to uncover more details about the network behind the vandalism. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help maintain a safe and crime-free society.
Future Plans
The arrest of the 14 suspects is a significant step in addressing the blackout crisis in Bayelsa State and ensuring the protection of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. As the investigation continues, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to restore normalcy to the region and prevent future acts of sabotage.
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Written By Fortune Davidson